antibody-drug conjugate

Definition of antibody-drug conjugate

antibody-drug conjugate

(AN-tee-BAH-dee ... KON-jih-gut)
A substance made up of a monoclonal antibody chemically linked to a drug. The monoclonal antibody binds to specific proteins or receptors found on certain types of cells, including cancer cells. The linked drug enters these cells and kills them without harming other cells. Some antibody-drug conjugates are used to treat cancer. Also called ADC.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms